3 Ways to Extend the Paris Climate Accord in Your Home
By now we’re all familiar with President Trump’s decision to leave the Paris Agreement. Several cities across the U.S., including New York, Boston, Houston, Los Angeles, Philadelphia and others have vowed to uphold the agreement regardless of the administration’s decision.
Whatever the outcome of the policy, the environment is all our responsibility to protect. We’ve compiled a brief list of things you can start doing today to improve your carbon footprint.
Have others? List them in the comment section below!
1. Go solar (duh).
Ok, so we know we’re biased on this but hear us out. The price of solar has dropped 58% in the past 5 years making it much more accessible to the everyday consumer. Additionally, according to the Solar Energy Industries Association, the Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC) has provided industry stability and growth since its initial passage in 2006. In the last decade, solar has experienced a compound annual growth rate of more than 60%.
Private companies and emerging products are also helping to make solar more accessible (yes, like SolPad). Now Solar is not just limited to homeowners. Improved technology is making it so those in apartments, RVs, and even tiny homes can access solar power.
You have your smart thermostat and bulbs and you’re familiar with the cosmetic features and having fun with the lights. It’s a good first step, but the real value comes from the energy savings as a total package. Savings compound when you integrate functions of your home’s smart technology together (h/t: Electronic House).
3. Recycle Old Tech or Use it with New Tech
Yes, of course, recycle your old devices. There are several helpful resources to help you find the right place to dispose of old electronics.
But also consider using your old tech with your new tech. Here are a few ways to make use of those old smartphones or tables in your current smart home ecosystem (h/t Popular Mechanics):
- Set up a dedicated smart home controller and download all the necessary apps to control your home from your old device
- Use the old phone as a stationary security camera for your home. You’ll need an app like Manything or Alfred to access the feed anywhere
- Apps like Kobo and Amazon make it easy to turn an old phone or tablet into an e-reader that can be kept at home